Conformational Space Comparison of GnRH and GnRH-III
Using Molecular Dynamics and Cluster Analysis
Abstract:
The conformational space available to GnRH and lGnRH-III was
compared using 5.2 ns constant temperature and pressure molecular
dynamics simulations with explicit TIP3P solvation and the AMBER v. 5.0
force field. Cluster analysis of both trajectories resulted in two groups
of conformations. Results of free energy calculations, in agreement with
previous experimental data, indicate that a conformation with a turn from
residues 5 through 8 is preferred for GnRH in an aqueous environment. By
contrast, a conformation with a helix from residues 2 through 7 with a
bend from residues 6 through 10 is preferred for lGnRH-III in an aqueous
environment. The side chains of His2 and Trp3 in lGnRH-III occupy
different regions of phase space and participate in weakly polar
interactions different from those in GnRH. The unique conformational
properties of lGnRH-III may account for its specific anti cancer
activity.